POLE (4)

Pole, n. [[L. polus, Gr. � a pivot or hinge on which anything turns, an axis, a pole; akin to � to move: cf. F. pôle.]] 1. 1. Either extremity of an axis of a sphere; especially, one of the extremities of the earth's axis; as, the north pole.
2. 2. (Spherics) A point upon the surface of a sphere equally distant from every part of the circumference of a great circle; or the point in which a diameter of the sphere perpendicular to the plane of such circle meets the surface. Such a point is called the pole of that circle; as, the pole of the horizon; the pole of the ecliptic; the pole of a given meridian.
3. 3. (Physics) One of the opposite or contrasted parts or directions in which a polar force is manifested; a point of maximum intensity of a force which has two such points, or which has polarity; as, the poles of a magnet; the north pole of a needle.
4. 4. The firmament; the sky.
Shoots against the dusky pole. Milton. 5. 5. (Geom.) See Polarity, and Polar, n.
Magnetic pole. See under Magnetic. — Poles of the earth, or Terrestrial poles (Geog.), the two opposite points on the earth's surface through which its axis passes. — Poles of the heavens, or Celestial poles, the two opposite points in the celestial sphere which coincide with the earth's axis produced, and about which the heavens appear to revolve.